Exercising in Hot Weather Topic

LizLite47 07/06/19
Hi. I'm new here, so thank you for allowing me to join.
I have always had difficulty exercising, but it gets worse in the summer. I live in Las Vegas where the temp is 100+ in the shade. I am not an early riser so even if I plan to go for a walk before it gets too hot, it never happens. Also, I get very anxious in groups of strangers so joining a gym is not an option. Any suggestions?

Drinkmorewater 07/07/19
Hi LizLite47! This isn’t a very active group (I might be the only one to respond- MND doesn’t notify the members when there is activity). So this is my story: When I first started to lose weight, I walked and did yoga DVD’s at home. This got me through the first 35 pounds. Then I did join a gym after scouting several to see which was the least intimidating and had the oldest demographic:). Even then, I just beelined for the elliptical. Eventually I got braver - started running outside and got a trainer (who was older than me). Now I love to exercise and will get up at 4:00am to run and beat the heat. I will still try to find a quiet area in the gym for weight training. But it has been a LONG process!

I will say that consistent exercise has been KEY to my 60 lbs weight lose and keeping it off for several years. The National Weight Control Registry says that 90% of their participants who have kept their weight off, exercise for about an hour a day. I took this as an absolute directive that an hour a day needed to be part of how I live the rest of my life- it gets me to the gym where I feel like it or not.

For the heat, I would try to exercise indoors or when the sun isn’t up (morning or evening). I live in 100 summer temps as well. I also do water bottles with lots of ice to pass back and forth- keeping my hands chilled cools my whole body. Also, as you progress, I would just really encourage you to be open to finding a gym. I have been at the same gym for 5 years. I started as a heavier person and am now very fit. I can honestly tell you that I have never seen any critical looks or talk about anyone else. MANY of the fit people in my gym have lost a good amount of weight- it is always surprising to hear people’s stories. I really wish that new gym folks wouldn’t see the gym as a hostile environment because it really isn’t. The gym has been beneficial for providing accountability for me - people that I see every day and we are encouraged by each other’s consistency and goals.

Just be tenacious about getting your hour in 5-6 days a week even if it’s in your own living room (I loved some of the Biggest Loser yoga and boot camp dvds). I read one article that said folks need to look at exercise as personal hygiene- that helps me get my butt moving. You can totally do it!!

Exercising in Hot Weather